can't remove a partial file from server

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werldhed
Posts: 4926
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 7:00 am

can't remove a partial file from server

Post by werldhed »

I was transferring two ISO files from my desktop to our server, and partway through copying file #2, I got an error message saying that I didn’t have the correct permission for it. However, I have all the permissions for both files on my desktop, and for the copy of ISO #1 on the server (that file was copied correctly)

Now I have a partial ISO #2 file on the server which says I have no permissions for it, and I’m not allowed to change the permissions. That means I can’t delete file, and I can’t replace it with a new copy from my desktop because it says it’s currently in use.

Restarting the machine didn’t help.
Is there a way to get rid of this partial file without going to the server admins?
Canis
Posts: 3798
Joined: Sun Jan 14, 2001 8:00 am

Post by Canis »

Get info on the file and check who is the owner of the file. If it's anybody but yourself then you'll need administrative access to delete the file. If the file belongs to you then you're kinda in a screwed up situation. However even in that case I'd still go to the admins.

You might try re-copying the file. If it allows you to replace the partial file then that might be the answer. However, if not then I'd say the admins (which is probably the safest bet anyway) are the way to go.
werldhed
Posts: 4926
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 7:00 am

Post by werldhed »

Ownership for both the files on the server list the name of the server. What’s odd, though, is that I can change the permissions/ownership of ISO #1, but not ISO #2 (the pulldown menus are grayed out).

Ownership for the original files on my desktop are for me.

Copying the file again won’t work, because it says the partial ISO #2 file is in use.

I’m thinking you’re right – I’ll have to go talk with the server admins. Nuts.
NCG_Mike
Posts: 226
Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2001 7:00 am

Post by NCG_Mike »

I'd suggest running a disk checker on both machines. MInd you, perhaps someone'd mounted the ISO and was actually using it?
Canis
Posts: 3798
Joined: Sun Jan 14, 2001 8:00 am

Post by Canis »

I think the system handles the files as it copies them, and only afterwards applies the ownership properties. As such, half-way through if the file isnt deleted by the server it will still retain the server as owner. I believe similar things have happened to me in the past for small files, and I remember them being owned by the server as a result. Root access can get rid of the file, no problem.
werldhed
Posts: 4926
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 7:00 am

Post by werldhed »

NCG_Mike wrote:I'd suggest running a disk checker on both machines. MInd you, perhaps someone'd mounted the ISO and was actually using it?
If they were, they would have failed miserably, because only a small fraction of the file actually copied to the server.

I chatted with the admin, and he said he'd see what he could about it, but it probably won't be until Monday. No big deal, because it isn't crucial. I'll just have to wait til then to see what happens.

Thanks for the advice, both of you.
NCG_Mike
Posts: 226
Joined: Tue Aug 21, 2001 7:00 am

Post by NCG_Mike »

Canis wrote:I think the system handles the files as it copies them, and only afterwards applies the ownership properties. As such, half-way through if the file isnt deleted by the server it will still retain the server as owner. I believe similar things have happened to me in the past for small files, and I remember them being owned by the server as a result. Root access can get rid of the file, no problem.
If the file is on a UNIX system, like the Mac, deleting it would remove it from the server *but* with it been open it would still be readable by someone who already had it open.

As for permissions, you're likely correct. In a *normal* copy you open the source file with read permissions and the local permissions would be for owner and group (read/write).

No doubt the Finder uses some legacy Carbon FSOpen calls or so. So... you might try a "cp" in bash to avoid the Mac getting in the way.
werldhed
Posts: 4926
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 7:00 am

Post by werldhed »

The conclusion was anticlimactic.
I emailed the server admin.
He deleted it.

Nevertheless, thanks for the help, guys. :icon14:
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